UPNVJ Public Relations - The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) explored the potential of moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) as a functional food source to support preventive health and stunting prevention. The study was discussed through the webinar “Exploring the Potential of Moringa oleifera in Preventive Health” in the framework of the 2026 LPPM UPNVJ Research, Community Service, and Entrepreneurship Week. This forum brought together academics and researchers to discuss the use of moringa, from its nutritional content to opportunities for its development into innovations that can be applied in the community.
Dr. dr. Tiwuk Susantiningsih, M.Biomed., Sp.KKLP. from the Research Center for Moringa oleifera UPN “Veteran” Jakarta presented material entitled “Exploring the Potential of Moringa oleifera in Preventive Health.” She reviewed the use of Moringa leaves as part of a promotive and preventive approach to help maintain public health.
The discussion on moringa and fulfilling maternal and child nutrition was deepened by Prof. Dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D. from Hasanuddin University through the material "Moringa oleifera Leaves: A Nutritional Superhouse for Stunting Prevention and Child Growth Optimization." The presentation highlighted the nutritional content and nutraceutical components of moringa leaves that have the potential to be developed to support stunting prevention and optimize child growth.
One of the innovations introduced was Moringa Royal Jelly (MRJ), a combination of moringa leaf extract and royal jelly developed using natural resources. According to the webinar, MRJ's development has been supported by more than 12 intervention studies from 2018–2024, targeting pregnant women and adolescent girls.
Several studies have compared moringa-based interventions with multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) and iron and folic acid supplementation. Indicators examined in these studies included hemoglobin levels, maternal nutritional and health status, growth, and pregnancy outcomes. Research on royal jelly-enriched moringa leaf extract has also been published in studies related to infant growth and pregnancy outcomes.
The webinar also presented a randomized, double-blind controlled trial involving 336 adolescent girls in the coastal area of Takalar Regency. Participants were divided into the MRJ group and the iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation group, with the intervention lasting 24 weeks from February to July 2025. The study examined several indicators, including hemoglobin levels, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake.
Moringa has also been developed into more accessible forms for the community. One example is moringa leaf tea for young women, which is processed through washing, drying, roasting, and packaging. This diversification demonstrates the potential for developing moringa not only as a research object but also as a functional food product based on local resources.
The study of Moringa oleifera also demonstrates the importance of inter-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing public health issues. Research on local food ingredients can be a starting point for measurable innovations, scientifically tested, and further developed to achieve broader benefits.